Classifications

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  • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
  • A61K31/715—Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K31/715—Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
  • A61K31/737—Sulfated polysaccharides, e.g. chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate
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  • A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
  • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
  • A61K35/20—Milk; Whey; Colostrum
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
  • A61K35/28—Bone marrow; Haematopoietic stem cells; Mesenchymal stem cells of any origin, e.g. adipose-derived stem cells
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K35/66—Microorganisms or materials therefrom
  • A61K35/74—Bacteria
  • A61K35/748—Cyanobacteria, i.e. blue-green bacteria or blue-green algae, e.g. spirulina
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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  • A61K36/02—Algae
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
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  • A61K36/02—Algae
  • A61K36/03—Phaeophycota or phaeophyta (brown algae), e.g. Fucus
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K36/06—Fungi, e.g. yeasts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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  • A61K36/06—Fungi, e.g. yeasts
  • A61K36/062—Ascomycota
  • A61K36/066—Clavicipitaceae
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• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K36/06—Fungi, e.g. yeasts
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  • A61K36/074—Ganoderma
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61K36/00—Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
  • A61K36/18—Magnoliophyta (angiosperms)
  • A61K36/185—Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons)
  • A61K36/81—Solanaceae (Potato family), e.g. tobacco, nightshade, tomato, belladonna, capsicum or jimsonweed
  • A61K36/815—Lycium (desert-thorn)
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Definitions

• the present invention relates to methods and compositions for enhancing the mobilization of stem cells.
• SC Stem cells
• ESC Embryonic stem cells
• tissue cell such as heart cells, liver cells, nervous cells, and kidney cells
• ASCs are undifferentiated or primitive cells that can self- renew and differentiate into specialized cells of various tissues and are found in any living organism after birth. ASCs have been isolated from various tissues such as the liver (oval cells) (Wang et al., 2003), the intestine (intestinal crypt stem cells) (Barker et al., 2008), muscles (satellite cells) (Kuang et al., 2008), the brain (neural stem cells) (Revishchin et al., 2008), and recently the pancreas (nestin positive pancreatic stem cells) (Burke et al., 2007). Umbilical cord stem cells and placental stem cells are considered ASCs.
• tissue stem cells tissue stem cells
• ASCs ASCs found in tissues (tissue stem cells) are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found, although recent studies have reported that ASCs from one tissue may have the ability to develop into cell types characteristic of other tissues. For example, oval cells in the liver were shown in vitro to have the ability to become insulin-producing pancreatic cells. (Yang et al. 2002) Nevertheless, the general view is that local stem cells are primarily involved in minor repair of the tissue in which they reside. In the case of significant injury or degeneration, the number of new tissue cells found in healing tissue far exceeds the capacity of local stem cells to duplicate and differentiate, suggesting that stem cells coming from other sites must be involved in the process of repair.
• tissue stem cells Although many tissues contain their own specific population of tissue stem cells, certain ASCs of key interest are those primarily found in the bone marrow and blood, Tissue stem cells are traditionally believed to be limited in their ability to differentiate into other tissues, however bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) were recently shown to have significant capability to become cells of other tissues.
• BMSC bone marrow stem cells
• stem cells in the body whether BMSCs, HSCs, marrow stromal cells (MSCs), multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSEL), epiblast-like stem cell (ELSC) or blastomere-like stem cell (BLSC), constitute a broad component of the body's natural healing system. Since stem cells are capable of differentiating into a broad variety of cell types, they play an important role in the healing and regenerative processes of various tissues and organs.
• Bone marrow stem cells including marrow stromal cells (MSCs)
• MSCs marrow stromal cells
• G- CSF granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
• IL-8 interleukin-8
• AMD3100 a different molecule, CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100
• inventive compositions and methods disclosed herein enhance the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells within the body to promote healing and treatment of damaged tissues, as well as aid in the regeneration of tissues that suffer from some level of cellular loss, for greater vitality and reduced incidence of disease.
• the invention includes a method of increasing stem cell mobilization in a subject, comprising: providing a mobilization agent capable of increasing stem cell mobilization, and administering a quantity of the mobilization agent to the subject in an amount sufficient to increase stem cell mobilization in the subject.
• the mobilization agent is a composition comprising one or more of the following components selected from the group consisting of: Lycium barbarum or extracts thereof, colostrum or extracts thereof, spirulina or extracts thereof, fucoidan, Hericium erinaceus or extracts thereof, Ganoderma Lucidum or extracts thereof, and/or Cordyceps Sinensis or extracts thereof.
• the mobilization agent is fucoidan.
• the fucoidan is extracted from Undaria pinnatifida.
• the quantity of the fucoidan is 250 mg.
• the stem cell is a bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC).
• the stem cell is a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC).
• administering the quantity comprises oral administration.
• the oral administration comprises use of a capsule or a pill.
• Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method, comprising: providing 250 mg of a fucoidan capable of increasing stem cell mobilization, and orally administering the fucoidan to a subject once a day.
• the stem cell is a bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC).
• the stem cell is a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC).
• the fucoidan is extracted from Undaria pinnatifida.
• Another embodiment of the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising: one or more of the following components selected from the group consisting of: Lycium barbarum or extracts thereof, colostrum or extracts thereof, spirulina or extracts thereof, fucoidan, Hericium erinaceus or extracts thereof, Ganoderma Lucidum or extracts thereof, and/or Cordyceps Sinensis or extracts thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• the quantity of Lycium barbarum or extracts thereof comprises 500-2000 mg in a single dose.
• the quantity of colostrum or extracts thereof comprises 75-300 mg in a single dose.
• the quantity of spirulina or extracts thereof comprises 75-300 mg in a single dose.
• the quantity of Hericium erinaceus or extracts thereof, Ganoderma Lucidum or extracts thereof, and/or Cordyceps Sinensis or extracts thereof comprises 83-1000 mg in a single dose.
• Figure 1 depicts mobilization and migration of endogenous stem cells in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
• hematopoietic stem cells mobilize from compartments such as bone (A) and circulate into the bloodstream (B), migrate towards tissues to promote repair and regeneration in different parts of the body (C).
• Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of the steps involved in the migration of a stem cell, underscoring the role of CXCR4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 3 provides graphs illustrating a typical time course of stem cell migration in the human body after consumption of (A) whole Lycium Barbarum (LB) fruit and (B) colostrum (Col), in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
• the thin lines show individual responses.
• the thick dotted line is the average response while the thick line shows the time course of the response with the average peak response at 45 minutes.
• Col all participants peaked at 60 minutes, so the thick lines show the average time course of the response.
• Figure 4 provides a graph illustrating a typical time course of stem cell migration in the human body after consumption of (A) a polysaccharide rich fraction of mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus), and (B) spirulina or an extract thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• A a polysaccharide rich fraction of mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus)
• B spirulina or an extract thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are flow cytometry profiles of blood samples showing the proportions of CD34+ lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of a human volunteer after ingestion of L. Barbarum, colostrum and mushroom polysaccharides, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• the X axis displays fluorescence intensity of the stem cell marker.
• the M1 marker indicates events showing positivity for the stem cell marker CD34.
• Figure 6 is a graph illustrating the expression of CXCR4 molecules on the surface of CD34+ circulating stem cells before and after consumption of LB, Col, and mushroom polysaccharides, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 7 provides a graph illustrating a typical time course of stem cell migration in the human body after consumption of Lycium Barbarum, colostrum, spirulina and a polysaccharide rich fraction of mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 8 depicts changes in circulating CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells in human volunteers following oral administration of fucoidan extracted from Undaria pinnatifida in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
• the number of circulating stem cells increased on average by 17%, 23% (P ⁇ 0.02) and 32% (P ⁇ 0.02), respectively.
• Figure 9 depicts the results of consuming fucoidan from algae species
• Chordaria cladosiphon in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Consumption of 250 mg of fucoidan from Chordaria cladosiphon gave an average decrease in the number of circulating stem cells under the same conditions.
• administering refers to any route for delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a patient. Routes of delivery may include non-invasive peroral (through the mouth), topical (skin), transmucosal (nasal, buccal/sublingual, vaginal, ocular and rectal) and inhalation routes, as well as parenteral routes, and other methods known in the art.
• Parenteral refers to a route of delivery that is generally associated with injection, including intraorbital, infusion, intraarterial, intracarotid, intracapsular, intracardiac, intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, intraspinal, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrauterine, intravenous, subarachnoid, subcapsular, subcutaneous, transmucosal, or transtracheal.
• the compositions may be in the form of solutions or suspensions for infusion or for injection, or as lyophilized powders.
• "Circulatory system” as used herein refers to the mechanisms for moving blood and blood components throughout the body of a subject, including the vascular and lymph systems. The mechanisms of the circulatory system include, but are not limited to, the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries), and lymph vessels.
• Colostrum refers to a fluid secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals during the first few days of lactation, containing various nutrients and protease inhibitors that keep it from being destroyed by the processes of digestion. Humans produce relatively small amounts of colostrum in the first two days after giving birth, but cows produce about nine gallons of colostrum. Colostrum contains concentrated levels of important immune modulators, including Transfer Factor, PRP, IGF-1 , n-acetyl neuraminic acid, GMP, nucleic acid and defensins. Colostrum extracts have been shown to activate phagocytosis by monocytes and increase the reactive oxygen burst in polymorph nucleated cells. Colostrum was also shown to trigger natural killer (NK) cell activation and also trigger the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines in in vitro cell-based assays. References herein to colostrum also include derivatives and artificial substitutes thereof.
• Component of Lycium Barbarum refers to any fraction, extract, or isolated or purified molecule from Lycium Barbarum.
• the component is a protein or nucleic acid or a polysaccharide, a phytochemical, or a fraction of Lycium Barbarum.
• components of Lycium Barbarum are obtained by disrupting Lycium Barbarum, adding an inorganic or organic solvent, and collecting fractions.
• fractions are isolated using high performance liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, or distillation. Fractionation may be based on the molecular weight or the hydrophobicity of the components of Lycium Barbarum.
• hematopoietic stem cells hematopoietic progenitors and/or stem cells may change from multipotent stem cells into cells committed to a specific lineage and/or cells having characteristic functions, such as mature somatic cells. Differentiation is a property that is often totally or partially lost by cells that have undergone malignant transformation.
• “Enhancement,” “enhance” or “enhancing” as used herein refers to an improvement in the performance of or other physiologically beneficial increase in a particular parameter of a cell or organism. At times, enhancement of a phenomenon is quantified as a decrease in the measurements of a specific parameter.
• migration of stem cells may be measured as a reduction in the number of stem cells circulating in the circulatory system, but this nonetheless may represent an enhancement in the migration of these cells to areas of the body where they may perform or facilitate a beneficial physiologic result, including, but not limited to, differentiating into cells that replace or correct lost or damaged function.
• enhancement refers to a 15%, 20%, 30% or greater than 50% reduction in the number of circulating stem cells.
• enhancement of stem cell migration may result in or be measured by a decrease in a population of the cells of a non-hematopoietic lineage, such as a 15%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75% or greater decrease in the population of cells or the response of the population of cells.
• an enhanced parameter is the trafficking of stem cells. In one embodiment, the enhanced parameter is the release of stem cells from a tissue of origin. In one embodiment, an enhanced parameter is the migration of stem cells. In another embodiment, the parameter is the differentiation of stem cells. In yet another embodiment, the parameter is the homing of stem cells.
• Fucoidan as used herein describes sulfated fucans obtained from algae. Fucoidan has been obtained from a broad range Algae species as provided in the following non-exhaustive list: Cladosiphon okamuranus, Chordaria flagelliformis, Ch. Gracilis, Saundersella simplex, Desmaestia intermedia, Dictyosiphon foeniculaceus, Dictyota dichotoma, Padina pavonica, Spatoglussum, schroederi, Adernocystis utricularis, Pylayella littoralis, Ascophyllum nodosum, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Fucus. Visculosus, F.
• fucoidan Depending on the source of the fucoidan, fucoidan can serve as a releasing agent in certain embodiments, while in other embodiments, fucoidan can serve as a migration agent.
• Hematopoiesis refers to the formation and development of blood cells. Prenatally, hematopoiesis occurs in the yolk sack, then liver, and eventually the bone marrow. In normal adults, it occurs primarily in bone marrow and lymphatic tissues. All blood cells develop from pluripotent stem cells, which are committed to three, two, or one hematopoietic differentiation pathways. This includes the production of hematopoietic cells including B-cells, T-cells, cells of the monocyte macrophage lineage, and red blood cells.
• Hematopoietic agent refers to a compound, antibody, nucleic acid molecule, protein, cell or other molecule that affects hematopoiesis.
• a molecular agent can be a naturally-occurring molecule or a synthetic molecule.
• the agent affects the growth, proliferation, maturation, migration or differentiation or release of hematopoietic cells.
• the agent is Lycium Barbarum, or an extract or component of Lycium Barbarum.
• Hematopoietic stem cells as used in the present invention means multipotent stem cells that are capable of eventually differentiating into all blood cells including, erythrocytes, leukocytes, megakaryocytes, and platelets. This may involve an intermediate stage of differentiation into progenitor cells or blast cells.
• the term “hematopoietic progenitors”, “progenitor cells” or “blast cells” are used interchangeably in the present invention and describe maturing HSCs with reduced differentiation potential, but are still capable of maturing into different cells of a specific lineage, such as myeloid or lymphoid lineage.
• Hematopoietic progenitors include erythroid burst forming units, granulocyte, erythroid, macrophage, megakaryocyte colony forming units, granulocyte, erythroid, macrophage, and granulocyte macrophage colony-forming units.
• Homing refers to the process of a cell migrating from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ. In some instances, homing is accomplished via tissue-specific adhesion molecules and adhesion processes. Homing may refer to the migration back to the bone marrow.
• Immunologically normal refers to a subject that displays immune system characteristics typical for the species to which the individual belongs. These typical characteristics include, among others, functioning B-cells and T-cells as well as structural cell components, called cell surface antigens, which act as the immunologic signature for a particular organism.
• genotypically compromised refers to a subject having a genotypic or a phenotypic immunodeficiency.
• a genotypically-immunodeficient subject has a genetic defect that results in an inability to generate either humoral or cell-mediated responses.
• a specific, non-limiting example of a genotypically immunodeficient subject is a genotypically immunodeficient mouse, such as a SCID mouse or a bg/nu/xid mouse.
• a "phenotypically-immunodeficient subject” is a subject, which is genetically capable of generating an immune response, which has been phenotypically altered such that no response is seen.
• a phenotypically-immunodeficient recipient has been irradiated.
• a phenotypically-immunodeficient subject has been treated with chemotherapy.
• the phenotypically-immunodeficient subject has suffered a bacterial or viral infection, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).
• HIV human immunodeficiency virus
• SIV simian immunodeficiency virus
• isolated biological component refers to a biological component that has been substantially separated or purified away from other biological components in which the component naturally occurs. Nucleic acids and proteins may be isolated by standard purification methods, recombinant expression in a host cell, or chemically synthesized.
• L. Barbarum refers to a small bright orange-red, ellipsoid berry or fruit grown.
• One exemplary source is in the north of China, primarily in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is sometimes referred to as goji berry or wolfberry.
• L. Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the nightshade family that includes hundreds of plant foods like potato, tomato, eggplant, and peppers (paprika).
• Lymphoproliferation refers to an increase in the production of lymphocytes.
• Modulation or “modulates” or “modulating” as used herein refers to upregulation (i.e., activation or stimulation), down regulation (i.e., inhibition or suppression) of a response or the two in combination or apart.
• Migration refers to the central process for movement of cells in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.
• Cells often migrate in response to, and towards, specific external signals, commonly referred to as chemotaxis.
• Migration includes the process of a cell moving from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ. More specifically, circulating stem cells are tethered to the surface of capillary endothelium via expression of adhesion molecules of cell surfaces, resulting in cytoskeletal changes in both endothelium and stem cells, and allowing movement through the capillary wall en route to a tissue and/or organ site. In some instances, homing is accomplished via tissue-specific adhesion molecules and adhesion processes.
• Migration agent as used herein are mobilization agents capable of promoting the process of a cell moving from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ. Migration of stem cells may be demonstrated, for example, by a decrease in circulating stem cells in the circulatory or immune system, or by the expression of surface markers and/or adhesion molecules on cell surfaces, which relate to homing, tethering, and/or extravasation of circulating stem cells to the surface of vessels such as capillary endothelium.
• Examples of migration agents include isolated or purified components extracted from Lycium Barbarum, including a polysaccharide-rich fraction (fraction A) of Lycium Barbarum extract, colostrum, including a protein-rich fraction (fraction B) of colostrum extract, fucoidan, including an isolated component or compound extracted from an algae, such as a compound found in a polysaccharide -rich fraction (fraction C) of algae extracts, including Chordaria cladosiphon, or other algaes, or extracts thereof, mushrooms, including an isolated component or compound extracted from a mushroom, such as a compound found in a polysaccharide -rich fraction (fraction D) of mushroom extracts, including Cordyceps sinensis or an extract thereof, Ganoderma lucidum or an extract thereof, Hericium erinaceus or an extract thereof, spirulina, including Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira maxima, or extracts thereof.
• this agent affects the migration of stem cells, such as CD34 high (CD34+) cells.
• the migration agent decreases the number of bone marrow-derived stem cells and/or hematopoietic stem cells circulating in the peripheral blood.
• the migration agent relates to enhanced expression of CXCR4 on circulating stem cells.
• “Mushroom polysaccharides” as used herein refers to glucans found mainly in various species of mushrooms such as Cordyceps sinesis, Hercicium erinaceous, and Ganoderma lucidum. This also includes the numerous bioactive polysaccharides or polysaccharide-protein complexes from medicinal mushrooms that may enhance innate and cell-mediated immune responses, and exhibit antitumor activities in animals and humans.
• “Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers” as used herein refer to conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers useful in this invention.
• Polysaccharide refers to a polymer of more than about ten monosaccharide residues linked glycosidically in branched or unbranched chains.
• Progenitor cell refers to a cell that gives rise to progeny in a defined cell lineage.
• Promoter and/or “promoting” as used herein refer to an augmentation in a particular behavior of a cell or organism. In one embodiment, promoting relates to the mobilization of melanocyte derived stem cells. In another embodiment, promoting relates to the differentiation of stem cells into melanocytes.
• Recruitment of a stem cell refers to a process whereby a stem cell in the circulatory system migrates into specific site within a tissue or organ. Recruitment may be facilitated by a compound or molecule, such as a chemoattractant signal or cell receptor. For example, both CXCR4 and SDF-1 have identified roles in stem cell homing and migration.
• Releasing agent as used herein are mobilization agents capable of promoting the release and egress of stem cells from a tissue of origin. Release of stem cells from a tissue of origin may be demonstrated, for example, by an increase in circulating stem cells in the circulatory or immune system, or by the expression of markers related to egress of stem cells from a tissue of origin, such as bone marrow. Examples of releasing agents include fucoidan, as obtained from an extract of algae such as Undaria pinnatifida. In one embodiment, the releasing agent increases the number of bone marrow-derived stem cells and/or hematopoietic stem cells in the peripheral blood.
• the releasing agent affects the number of stem cells, such as CD34 high (CD34+) cells, circulating in the peripheral blood.
• stem cells such as CD34 high (CD34+) cells
• Tellite cell refers to a muscle-specific stem cell, often located in the periphery of muscle tissue, and capable of migrating into a muscle to aid in tissue repair and reconstruction.
• Stem cells as used herein are cells that are not terminally differentiated and are therefore able to produce cells of other types. Characteristic of stem cells is the potential to develop into mature cells that have particular shapes and specialized functions, such as heart cells, skin cells, or nerve cells. Stem cells are divided into three types, including totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent. "Totipotent stem cells” can grow and differentiate into any cell in the body and thus, can form the cells and tissues of an entire organism. "Pluripotent stem cells” are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into more than one cell or tissue type. "Multipotent stem cells” are clonal cells that are capable of self-renewal, as well as differentiation into adult cell or tissue types.
• Multipotent stem cell differentiation may involve an intermediate stage of differentiation into progenitor cells or blast cells of reduced differentiation potential, but are still capable of maturing into different cells of a specific lineage.
• stem cells refers to pluripotent stem cells and multipotent stem cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation.
• “Bone marrow-derived stem cells” are the most primitive stem cells found in the bone marrow which can reconstitute the hematopoietic system, possess endothelial, mesenchymal, and pluripotent capabilities.
• Stem cells may reside in the bone marrow, either as an adherent stromal cell type, or as a more differentiated cell that expresses CD34, either on the cell surface or in a manner where the cell is negative for cell surface CD34.
• Adult stem cells are a population of stem cells found in adult organisms with some potential for self-renewal and are capable of differentiation into multiple cell types. Other examples of stem cells are marrow stromal cells (MSCs), HSC, multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSEL), epiblast-like stem cell (ELSC) or blastomere-like stem cell (BLSC).
• Stem cell circulation agent (SCCA), "mobilization agent”, and/or “mobilization factor” as used herein refers to one or more compounds, antibodies, nucleic acid molecules, proteins, polysaccharides, cells, or other molecules, including, but not limited to, neuropeptides and other signaling molecules, that affects the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells from the circulatory system into tissue or organ.
• a molecular agent may be a naturally occurring molecule or a synthetic molecule.
• mobilization agents include “releasing agents”, wherein a releasing agent is capable of promoting the egress of stem cells from a tissue of origin and also “migration agents”, wherein a migration agent is capable of promoting the process of a cell moving from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ.
• Subject as used herein includes all animals, including mammals and other animals, including, but not limited to, companion animals, farm animals and zoo animals.
• the term “animal” can include any living multi-cellular vertebrate organisms, a category that includes, for example, a mammal, a bird, a simian, a dog, a cat, a horse, a cow, a rodent, and the like.
• the term “mammal” includes both human and non-human mammals.
• “Therapeutically effective amount” as used herein refers to the quantity of a specified composition, or active agent in the composition, sufficient to achieve a desired effect in a subject being treated. For example, this can be the amount effective for enhancing migration of stem cells that replenish, repair, or rejuvenate tissue.
• a “therapeutically effective amount” is an amount effective for enhancing trafficking of stem cells, such as increasing release of stem cells, as can be demonstrated by elevated levels of circulating stem cells in the bloodstream.
• the "therapeutically effective amount” is an amount effective for enhancing homing and migration of stem cells from the circulatory system to various tissues or organs, as can be demonstrated be decreased level of circulating stem cells in the bloodstream and/or expression of surface markers related to homing and migration.
• a therapeutically effective amount may vary depending upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the physiological condition of the subject (including age, sex, disease type and stage, general physical condition, responsiveness to a given dosage, desired clinical effect) and the route of administration.
• physiological condition of the subject including age, sex, disease type and stage, general physical condition, responsiveness to a given dosage, desired clinical effect
• route of administration including route of administration.
• One skilled in the clinical and pharmacological arts will be able to determine a therapeutically effective amount through routine experimentation.
• Trafficking refers to the process of movement of a cell from the tissue of origin, traveling within the circulatory or immune system, and localization towards a site within a tissue and/or organ. Trafficking also includes stem cell mobilization, beginning with release from a tissue of origin, such as egress of stem cells from bone marrow. Trafficking further includes movement of a cell from the tissue of origin, homing by adhesion to the endothelium, transmigration, and final migration within the target tissue and/or organ. Furthermore, trafficking may include the process of movement of a cell of the immune system.
• trafficking is the movement of a stem cell to a target organ, also referred to as migration.
• Another specific, non-limiting example of trafficking is the movement of a B-cell or a pre-B-cell leaving the bone marrow and moving to a target organ.
• Treatment refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) the targeted condition, disease or disorder (collectively “ailment”) even if the treatment is ultimately unsuccessful.
• Those in need of treatment may include those already with the ailment as well as those prone to have the ailment or those in whom the ailment is to be prevented.
• stem cells are unique cells which possess the capacity to differentiate into more specialized cells.
• HSCs hematopoietic stem cells
• HSCs typically reside in the bone marrow, where proliferation and self-renewal of the cells allows HSCs to be involved in the support and maintenance of the hematopoietic system.
• Existing scientific literature has chiefly focused on HSCs' potential to develop into hematopoietic lineage cells derivatives. Emerging evidence has further identified the capacity for HSCs to also differentiate into non-hematopoietic, tissue specific cells.
• HSCs have been found to possess the capacity to differentiate into a variety of tissue-specific cell types, such as myocytes, hepatocytes, osteocytes, glial cells, and neurons. As a result, HSCs form blood and immune cells that are responsible for constant maintenance and immune protection of virtually every cell type of the body.
• BMSCs bone marrow stem cells
• stem cells duplicate using a process known as "asymmetrical cellular division" according to which the two daughter cells are not identical; one cell retains the original DNA and remains in the bone marrow whereas the other cell contains the DNA copies and is released in the blood where it migrates into various tissues in need of repair.
• BMSCs have been traditionally considered to have little potential for plasticity, being limited in their development to red blood cells, lymphocytes, platelets, bone and connective tissue. However, much scientific work has been published over the past few years that demonstrates the exceptional plasticity of BMSC.
• BMSCs and HSCs were shown to have the ability to become muscle cells (Abedi et al., 2004), heart cells (Fraser et al., 2004), endothelium capillary cells (Asahara et al., 1999), liver cells (Jang et al., 2004), as well as lung, (Krause et al., 2001 ), gut (Krause et al., 2001 ), skin (Branski et al., 2008), and brain cells (Dezawa et al., 2005).
• muscle cells Abedi et al., 2004
• heart cells Feraser et al., 2004
• endothelium capillary cells Asahara et al., 1999
• liver cells As well as lung, (Krause et al., 2001 ), gut (Krause et al., 2001 ), skin (Branski et al., 2008), and brain cells (Dezawa et al.
• HSCs were co-cultured with either normal or damaged liver tissue separated by a semi-permeable membrane (pores large enough to let molecules pass through, but small enough to prevent the passage of cells from one compartment to the other, pore size 0.4 ⁇ ).
• a semi-permeable membrane pores large enough to let molecules pass through, but small enough to prevent the passage of cells from one compartment to the other, pore size 0.4 ⁇ .
• CD45 human immunofluorescence assay methods
• liver cells albumin
• HSCs and BMSCs play an important role in the healing and regenerative processes of various tissues and organs in the body beyond their traditional role in maintaining hematopoietic and immune systems of the body, activation and enhancement of stem cell trafficking may amplify these physiological processes and provide a potential therapy for various pathologies.
• the classic source of HSCs and BMSCs is bone marrow, which includes hip, ribs, sternum and other bone structures. Bone provides a unique regulatory microenvironment for HSCs and BMSCs, including interaction with a specific mesenchymal cell type (the osteoblast), extracellular matrix glycoproteins and a uniquely rich mineral signature.
• HSCs are also present in the peripheral bloodstream of normal, healthy persons. It has been known for decades that a small number of stem and progenitor cells circulate in the bloodstream, but more recent studies have shown that greater numbers of HSCs can be coaxed into mobilization from marrow to blood by injecting the donor with a cytokine, such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).
• G-CSF granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
• a leading model involves the chemokine, Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1 ) and its specific receptor, CXCR4.
• Stem cells circulating in the peripheral bloodstream are recruited to sites of tissue in need of repair and regeneration through homing and extravasation. This mobilization of stem cells into the bloodstream and subsequent migration to the site of tissue injury results from a combination of mechanical and chemoattractant signals.
• Mechanical force or other factors may activate L-selectins on the surface of stem cells. Activation of L-selectins, in turn, may promote elevated expression of the receptor, CXCR4.
• Cells at the site of tissue injury may also secrete SDF-1 ligand, thereby attracting stem cells expressing receptor CXCR4 to the injury site. The interaction of SDF-1 and CXCR4 promotes sufficient adhesion to halt circulation of a stem cell in the peripheral blood stream.
• L-selectin blockers such as sulfated fucans, may possess a critical capacity to mobilize HSCs into the bloodstream, with subsequent homing, extravasation and migration into tissue promoting regenerative maintenance and repair of cells and tissues in an organism.
• G-CSF is released from injured tissue and its presence in the bloodstream triggers HSC release from bone marrow
• dietary supplements composed of L-selectin blockers may possibly support the phenomenon of natural regeneration and repair in the body.
• Fucoidan is a sulfated fucan polysaccharide L-selectin agonist that was documented to promote the egress of HSCs from compartments in bone marrow into the peripheral blood stream upon intravenous injection, although this effect seemed unrelated to its stimulation of L-selectin (Frenette et al., 2000). Circulation of HSCs in the peripheral bloodstream is a critical step in promoting the stem cell regeneration and repair mechanisms in the body. As a sulfated fucan, fucoidan is found in various species of algae. Other sulfated fucans have also been found in animal species, such as echinoderms (e.g., sea urchins and sea cucumbers).
• echinoderms e.g., sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
• fucoidan also known as fucoidin or fucansulfate in the art
• fucoidan is a sulfated fucose polysaccharide L-selectin ligand. Selectin activity depends on important carbohydrate or polypeptide modifications such as sialylation, fucosylation, and sulfation.
• the presence of binding sites for sulfated fucans such as fucoidan on P- and L-Selectin has been demonstrated to be at least partially the mechanism by which fucoidan promotes detachment of HSCs from BM.
• fucoidan sulfated fucans such as fucoidan, have been shown to displace SDF-1 sequestered on endothelial surfaces or bone marrow through completive binding to a heparin-binding domain present on SDF-1 . Occupation of the heparin-binding site of SDF-1 by fucoidan prevents tethering to cell surfaces, thereby increasing circulating SDF-1 levels in plasma.
• L-selectin ligand such as fucoidan
• fucoidan may possess a critical capacity to mobilize HSCs and oral administration of dietary supplements composed of fucoidan may best support natural regeneration and repair in the body.
• fucoidan is capable of surviving acidic conditions in the stomach and does not demonstrate adverse side effects.
• Fucoidan is a member of the broader class of sulfated fucans, which are polysaccharides rich in L-fucose and obtained primarily from two sources: algae and marine invertebrates. Sulfated fucans obtained from these two sources differ greatly in composition and structure. This diversity of molecular structure further exists across fucoidans from different species of algae. While generally described as -20,000 molecular weight polysaccharide composed of L- fucose, exact fucoidan structures depend in-part, on the source organism. As example, the most well-studied fucoidan from F.
• vesculosus is reported to be composed primarily of L-fucose with a(1 ⁇ 3) glycosidic bonds and sulfate groups at position 4, with sulfated fucose branches every 5 units.
• fucoidan from a different algae Ascophylum nodosum, has a large proportion of repeating a(1 ⁇ 3) and a(1 ⁇ 4) glycosidic bonds that alternate for oligosaccharide formation, possibly with few sulfated branching points as showing in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies (Berteau, 2003).
• NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
• the present invention provides new compositions and methods for providing a wide range of clinical and physiological benefits to a subject in need thereof by the administration of a mobilization agent. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors believe that the beneficial and other physiological results obtained through administration of the inventive compositions result from enhancing stem cell trafficking and migration that follows the administration of the mobilization agent.
• the mobilization agent comprises one or more components selected from the group including: Lycium Barabrum, colostrum, mushroom polysaccharides (e.g., Cordyceps sinensis, Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)), fucoidan (optionally extracted from algaes, e.g., Undaria pinnatifida, Chordaria cladosiphon (Limu)), spirulina (e.g., Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira maxima), analogs thereof, derivatives thereof, extracts thereof, synthetic or pharmaceutical equivalents thereof, fractions thereof, and combinations of any of the foregoing items.
• Lycium Barabrum colostrum
• mushroom polysaccharides e.g., Cordyceps sinensis, Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
• the mobilization agents may be combined together in one or more compositions or they may be administered or consumed separately as part of a regimen. They may have individual physiological effects, additive effects and/or synergistic effects with one another, such as serving as both a releasing agent and migration agent.
• the mobilization agent is capable of functioning as a migration agent, promoting the process of a cell moving from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ.
• the mobilization agent is capable of functioning as a releasing agent, promoting the release and egress of stem cells from a tissue of origin.
• a mobilization agent is administered to a subject, for example Lycium Barbarum, though the subject may be provided a mixture of Lycium Barbarum and other mobilization agents.
• the subject consumes and digests whole Lycium Barbarum berries.
• the berries may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner. Therefore, Lycium Barbarum, as described herein, encompasses both whole berry and extracts thereof.
• the mobilization agent is an extract of Lycium Barbarum, or an isolated component or compound extracted from Lycium Barbarum, such as a compound found in a polysaccharide-rich fraction of Lycium Barbarum extract.
• Lycium Barbarum can be provided alone as an isolated or purified substance, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• Lycium Barbarum is capable of functioning as a migration agent.
• colostrum is administered to a subject, though the subject may be provided a mixture of colostrum and other mobilization agents.
• the subject consumes and digests whole colostrum.
• the colostrum may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner. Therefore, colostrum, as described herein, encompasses both whole colostrum and extracts thereof.
• the mobilization agent is an extract of colostrum, or an isolated component or compound extracted from colostrum, such as a compound found in a protein-rich fraction of colostrum extract colostrum can be provided alone as an isolated or purified substance, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• colostrum is capable of functioning as a migration agent.
• mushroom or a blend of mushrooms is administered to a subject, though the subject may be provided a mixture of mushrooms and other mobilization agents.
• the subject consumes and digests whole mushrooms.
• the mushrooms may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner. Therefore, mushrooms, as described herein, encompass both whole mushrooms and extracts thereof.
• the agent is Cordyceps sinensis or an extract thereof.
• the mobilization agent is Ganoderma lucidum or an extract thereof.
• the mobilization agent is Hericium erinaceus or an extract thereof.
• Mushrooms can be provided alone as isolated or purified substances, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• mushrooms, Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, and/or Hericium erinaceus is capable of functioning as a migration agent.
• algae is administered to a subject, though the subject may be provided a mixture of algae and other mobilization agents.
• the subject consumes and digests whole algae.
• the algae may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner. Therefore, algae, as described herein, encompass both whole mushrooms and extracts thereof.
• the mobilization agent is Chordaria cladosiphon or an extract thereof.
• Algae can be provided alone as isolated or purified substances, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• algae, Chordaria cladosiphon is capable of functioning as a migration agent.
• spirulina is administered to a subject, though the subject may be provided a mixture of spirulina and other mobilization agents.
• the subject consumes and digests whole spirulina.
• the spirulina may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner. Therefore, spirulina, as described herein, encompasses both whole spirulina and extracts thereof.
• the mobilization agent is Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira maxima, or an extract thereof.
• Spirulina can be provided alone as an isolated or purified substance, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• spirulina is capable of functioning as a migration agent.
• a method for enhancing stem trafficking by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of fucoidan.
• an algae such as Undaria pinnatifida
• a subject may be provided a mixture of more than one algae.
• the subject consumes and digests whole plant or parts of the plant.
• the algae may be fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, or preserved in some other manner.
• an extract of the algae is provided or administered to the subject.
• the algae encompasses both whole plant and extracts thereof.
• the algae can be provided alone as an isolated or purified substance, or may be part of a composition including a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• the extract is a highly sulfated, polyanionic soluble fiber.
• the extract is an isolated fucoidan.
• the fucoidan is purified following isolation.
• a polysaccharide fraction is administered to the subject.
• the highly sulfated, polyanionic soluble fiber is administered to the subject.
• the isolated fucoidan is administered to the subject.
• the purified fucoidan is administered to the subject.
• Undaria pinnatifida is capable of functioning as a releasing agent after administration to a subject.
• the present invention further provides a pharmaceutical preparation.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 90% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 80% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 75% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 70% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 60% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 50% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 40% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 30% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 20% w/w fucoidan.
• the pharmaceutical preparation is 10% w/w fucoidan.
• the present invention further provides a dosing regimen.
• the dosing regimen is dependent on the severity and responsiveness of a disease state to be treated, with the course of treatment lasting from a single administration to repeated administration over several days and/or weeks.
• the dosing schedule is based on measurement of an active component accumulated in the body.
• the active component is fucoidan.
• the fucoidan is isolated from Undaria pinnatifida or extracts thereof.
• the dosing regimen is dependent on the level of stem cell trafficking in the subject.
• the dosing regimen is dependent on the activity of a releasing agent administered to a subject.
• the dosing regimen is dependent on the number of circulating CD34+ HSCs in the peripheral blood stream of a subject. In another embodiment, the dosing regimen is dependent on the number of circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells in the peripheral blood stream of a subject. In one embodiment, the dosing regimen is 3 grams of fucoidan administered daily. In another embodiment, the dosing regimen is 1 gram of fucoidan administered daily. In another embodiment, the dosing regimen is 500 mg grams of fucoidan administered daily. In another embodiment, the dosing regimen is 75 mg grams of fucoidan administered daily. In one embodiment, the dosing regiment is 250 mg grams of fucoidan administered daily.
• the present invention further provides a method of enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in a subject.
• the level of trafficking of stem cells relates to the number of circulating CD34+ HSCs in the peripheral blood of a subject.
• the level of trafficking of stem cells relates to the number of circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells in the peripheral blood of a subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a polysaccharide fraction of an algae extract, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering a highly sulfated, polyanionic soluble fiber of an algae extract, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering a highly sulfated, polyanionic soluble fiber of an algae extract, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering isolated fucoidan from an algae extract, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering purified fucoidan from an algae extract, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, including administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing one or more of the following components selected from the group including: Lycium barbarum or extracts thereof, colostrum or extracts thereof, spirulina or extracts thereof, Arthrospira platensis or extracts thereof, Arthrospira maxima or extracts thereof, fucoidan or extracts thereof, Chordaria cladosiphon or extracts thereof, Hericium erinaceus or extracts thereof, Ganoderma Lucidum or extracts thereof, and/or Cordyceps Sinensis or extracts thereof, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• enhancement of stem cell trafficking may be measured by assaying the response of stem cells to a particular dose of a composition containing one or more of the following components selected from the group including: Lycium barbarum or extracts thereof, colostrum or extracts thereof, spirulina or extracts thereof, Arthrospira platensis or extracts thereof, Arthrospira maxima or extracts thereof, fucoidan or extracts thereof, Chordaria cladosiphon or extracts thereof, Hericium erinaceus or extracts thereof, Ganoderma Lucidum or extracts thereof, and/or Cordyceps Sinensis or extracts thereof, thereby enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in the subject.
• the method provided herein enhances the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, including administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing fucoidan.
• enhancement of stem cell trafficking may be measured by assaying the response of stem cells to a particular dose of a composition containing fucoidan.
• the fucoidan is from Undaria pinnatifida or extracts thereof.
• the present invention further provides a method for enhancing the trafficking of stem cells in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a mobilization agent or a polysaccharide fraction of a mobilization agent, thereby increasing the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells in the subject, regardless of the route of administration.
• the present invention further provides of a method of inducing a transient decrease in the population of circulating stem cells, such as CD34+ stem cells. Enhancement of stem cell migration may be measured by assaying the response of stem cells to a particular dose of Lycium Barbarum. In one embodiment, providing a mobilization agent to a subject will enhance migration of that subject's stem cells within a certain time period, such as less than about 5 hours, less than about 4 hours, less than about 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour following administration.
• the mobilization agent is colostrum, mushroom polysaccharides including Cordyceps sinensis, Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, fucoidan including Chordaria cladosiphon, spirulina, including Arthrospira platensis, and/or Arthrospira maxima.
• administration of an extract of algae increases the rate of homing of stem cells measured by a transient decrease in the number of circulating stem cells within the subject's body.
• the algae is Chordaria cladosiphon.
• the percentage decrease in the number of circulating stem cells compared to a normal baseline may about 25%, about 50%, about 75%, or even about 100% as compared to a control.
• the control is a base line value from the same subject.
• the control is the number of circulating stem cells in an untreated subject, or in a subject treated with a placebo or a pharmacological carrier.
• administration of a mobilization agent results in the migration of stem cells from the circulation to tissues from about 1 to about 3 hours following administration. Circulating stem cells will leave the circulatory system, thus decreasing the number of circulating stem cells within the subject's body.
• the percentage decrease in the number of circulating stem cells compared to a normal baseline may be about 15%, about 30%, about 50% or greater than about 75% decrease as compared to a control .
• the control is a base line value from the same subject.
• the control is the number of circulating stem cells in an untreated subject, or in a subject treated with a placebo or a pharmacological carrier.
• administration of an extract of a mobilization agent increases the rate of homing of stem cells measured by a transient decrease in the number of circulating stem cells within the subject's body.
• the percentage decrease in the number of circulating stem cells compared to a normal baseline may be about 25%, about 50%, about 75%, or even about 100% as compared to a control.
• the control is a base line value from the same subject.
• the control is the number of circulating stem cells in an untreated subject, or in a subject treated with a placebo or a pharmacological carrier.
• the administration of an extract of a mobilization agent leads to an increase in CXCR4 expression on circulating stem cells.
• the present invention further provides a method of inducing a transient increase in the population of circulating stem cells, such as CD34+ stem cells following administration of an algae extract.
• the stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
• the stem cells are bone marrow-derived stem cells.
• enhancement of stem cell trafficking may be measured by assaying the response of stem cells to a particular dose of algae extract.
• providing algae extract to a subject will enhance release of that subject's stem cells within a certain time period, such as less than 12 days, less than 6 days, less than 3 days, less than 2, or less than 1 days.
• the time period is less than 12 hours, 6 hours, less than about 4 hours, less than about 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour following administration.
• the stem cells are bone marrow-derived stem cells.
• the algae extract is from Undaria pinnatifida.
• administration of algae extract results in the release of stem cells into the circulation from about 2 to about 3 hours following administration.
• released stem cells enter the circulatory system and increase the number of circulating stem cells within the subject's body.
• the percentage increase in the number of circulating stem cells compared to a normal baseline may about 25%, about 50%, about 100% or greater than about 100% increase as compared to a control.
• the control is a base line value from the same subject.
• the control is the number of circulating stem cells in an untreated subject, or in a subject treated with a placebo or a pharmacological carrier.
• the subject administered a mobilization agent is healthy.
• the subject is suffering from a disease or physiological condition, such as immunosuppression, chronic illness, traumatic injury, degenerative disease, infection, or combinations thereof.
• the subject may suffer from a disease or condition of the skin, digestive system, nervous system, lymph system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, or combinations thereof.
• the subject suffers from osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiac infarction, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, any of the diseases and conditions described in the Examples below, or combinations thereof.
• the novel compositions and methods find therapeutic utility in the treatment of, among other things, skeletal tissues such as bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament, as well as degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and diabetes. Enhancing the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells from the blood to the tissues may lead to more efficient delivery of stem cells to a defect site for increased repair efficiency.
• the novel compositions and methods of the present invention may also be used in connection with gene therapeutic approaches.
• the present invention further provides various compositions for administration to a subject.
• the administration is topical, including ophthalmic, vaginal, rectal, intranasal, epidermal, and transdermal.
• the administration is oral.
• the composition for oral administration includes powders, granules, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsule, sachets, tablets, lozenges, or effervescents.
• the composition for oral administration further comprises thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binding agents.
• mobilization agents and methods of using mobilization agents towards promoting stem cell trafficking are described herein. Further described herein are migration agents and method of using migration agents to promote the process of stem cells moving from the circulatory system into a tissue or organ. Also described herein are releasing agents and methods of using releasing agents to promote egress of stem cells from a tissue of origin. Also described herein is a method of oral administration of fucoidan which results in a significant release of HSCs into peripheral blood circulation. The inventors have demonstrated effective administration of stem cell mobilization agents, thereby achieving a safe, convenient and effective method to enhance stem cell-related maintenance and repair in the human body.
• the pathology of stem cells is of great importance and interest, and pertains to the subject matter disclosed herein, the underlying scope of this invention is that the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells from the blood to tissues is of significance in repairing injured tissue and maintaining the vitality and health of existing tissue.
• the importance of developing methods and compositions for achieving this end are among the foci and aims of the present invention.
• the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for, among other things, enhancing natural tissue healing and renewal in the body by supporting the trafficking of stem cells. Furthermore, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for preventing, slowing or otherwise diminishing the development of health problems in a mammal by promoting trafficking of stem cells in the mammal. The compositions and methods disclosed herein may further increase regeneration of existing tissue by supporting the release, circulation, homing and/or migration of stem cells into tissue, therefore supporting the process of tissue repair.
• Polysaccharides from Lycium Barbarum were prepared by the method of Luo et al. (2004).
• the dried fruit samples (100 g) were ground to fine powder and put in 1 .5 I of boiling water and decocted for 2 h by a traditional method for Chinese medicinal herbs.
• the decoction was left to cool at room temperature, filtered and then freeze-dried to obtain crude polysaccharides.
• the dried crude polysaccharides were refluxed three times to remove lipids with 150 ml of chloroform :methanol solvent (2:1 ) (v/v). After filtering the residues were air-dried. The result product was extracted three times in 300 ml of hot water (90 °C) and then filtered. The combined filtrate was precipitated using 150 ml of 95% ethanol, 100% ethanol and acetone, respectively. After filtering and centrifuging, the precipitate was collected and vacuum-dried, giving desired polysaccharides (13 g). The content of the polysaccharides was measured by phenolsulfuric method (Masuko et al., 2005). Result showed that the content of the polysaccharides in the extract may reach 97.54%.
• Each person was provided 5 grams of dried Lycium Barbarum or 1 gram of polysaccharide extracted from Lycium Barbarum. Red blood cells in whole blood samples obtained from each volunteer were lysed using FACS lysing solution (Beckton Dickenson, San Jose, Calif.). The remaining cells were washed and stained with monoclonal antibody HPCA-2 conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Samples were fixed in 1 % formalin and analyzed by flow cytometry using a FacsCalibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickenson, San Jose, Calif.) and CellQuest software (Becton Dickenson, San Jose, Calif.).
• FIG. 3A illustrates that consumption of Lycium Barbarum triggered a strong transient decrease in circulating stem cells.
• the X-axis shows the time course of a typical experiment after Lycium Barbarum ingestion, expressed as a percentage of the control level.
• the proportion of circulating CD34+ cells is the same as the control.
• the peak decrease in circulating CD34+ cells was observed at about 1 -2 hours after consumption.
• the number of circulating CD34+ cells was decreased by 30% below the control value.
• the circulating CD34+ cells had returned to the baseline value.
• the decrease in the number of circulating stem cells was accompanied by an increase in the expression of CXCR4 on the membrane of circulating stem cells (FIG. 6).
• Lycium Barbarum (or a biological component of Lycium Barbarum) can enhance the migration of endogenous stem cells (e.g. CD34+ cells) from the circulation to tissues. Consumption of Lycium Barbarum (or a biological component of Lycium Barbarum) triggers the migration CD34+ stem cells (e.g., see FIG. 3), thereby demonstrating the efficacy of Lycium Barbarum as a migration agent.
• endogenous stem cells e.g. CD34+ cells
• Example 5 Stem Cells Migrate following Mushroom Consumption As in Example 2, and with reference to FIG. 4, administration of a polysaccharide rich fraction of mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus) results in stem cell migration.
• a polysaccharide rich fraction of mushroom Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus
• Stem Cells Migrate following Fucoidan or Spirulina Consumption As in Example 2, administration of fucoidan from algae seaweeds such as Chordaria cladosiphon promotes certain beneficial results that may ultimately, albeit indirectly, assist with stem cell migration. For example, consumption of fucoidan from Chordaria cladosiphon resulted in a decrease in the number of circulating CD34+ HSCs (FIG. 9), suggesting an effective role in supporting stem cell migration. As in Example 2, administration of spirulina results in stem cell migration (FIG. 4B), and administration of spirulina with Lycium Barbarum, colostrum and mushrooms also results in stem cell migration (FIG. 7).
• compositions including the following components listed in Table 1 are provided to mammalian subjects. Administration of these compositions results in stem cell migration.
• a murine model is chosen to evaluate how a mixture of LB, colostrum and mushroom can stimulate stem cell migration into tissues, and therefore populate and repair distant tissues of the body.
• mice Male mice are selected as bone marrow donor animals, while all recipient mice are females.
• Female recipients are sub-lethally irradiated prior to injection of GFP+ male bone marrow cells into their tail veins.
• Two groups of mice are evaluated. The first group of 20 animals are sub-lethally irradiated, injected with bone marrow, and put on normal feed.
• the second group of 20 animals are also sub-lethally irradiated, receive male bone marrow, and are fed a diet of normal feed plus a mixture of LB, colostrum and mushroom. Incorporation of GFP+ cells is examined in the brain, heart muscle, muscles, liver, pancreas, sections of small intestine, and lung tissue
• a murine model is chosen to evaluate how a mixture of LB, colostrum and mushroom can stimulate stem cell migration into tissues, and therefore populate and repair distant tissues of the body.
• mice Male mice are selected as bone marrow donor animals, while all recipient mice are females. Female recipients are sub-lethally irradiated prior to injection of GFP+ male bone marrow cells into their tail veins. Two groups of mice are evaluated. The first group of 20 animals are sub-lethally irradiated, injected with bone marrow, and put on normal feed. The second group of 20 animals are also sub-lethally irradiated, receive male bone marrow, and are fed a diet of normal feed plus a mixture of LB, colostrum and mushroom.
• mice After bone marrow transplant and a few days prior to the initiation of the feeding trial, animals are subjected to an injury such as injection of cardiotoxin in the tibialis muscle, triggering of heart attack by ligation of coronary artery, punch of the skin, laser-induced stroke, or other injuries.
• the recovery of mice in both groups is monitored during 6 weeks using whole body fluorescence imaging. After 6 weeks, the animals are sacrificed and the injured tissue is analyzed to assess the extent of tissue repair. Incorporation of GFP+ cells will also be examined in the brain, heart muscle, muscles, liver, pancreas, sections of small intestine, and lung tissue
• Fucoidan as a Stem Cell Mobilization Agent
• fucoidan extracted from Undaria and a placebo.
• Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from healthy human volunteers between 20 and 45 years of age upon informed consent. Blood and bone marrow samples were obtained under aseptic conditions and processed immediately.
• One gram of fucoidan or placebo was given to volunteers with 4-6 oz water. Appearance of the placebo was identical to that of the fucoidan and consisted of tan-dyed, finely ground potato flakes encapsulated in vegetable capsules.
• exclusion criteria were used: under 20 or over 65 years of age, pregnancy, severe asthma and allergies requiring daily medication, any known chronic illness or previous/current venereal disease, frequent recreational drug use, and impaired digestive function (including previous major gastrointestinal surgery).
• Three volunteers were scheduled on two study days one week apart. Testing was always performed at the same time of the day (8-1 1 a.m.) to minimize the effect of circadian fluctuations. Due to the interference from stress with the release vs. homing of other types of lymphocytes, effort was taken to minimize any physical and mental stress during testing.
• volunteers were instructed to complete a questionnaire aimed at determining any exceptional stress related circumstances that might affect the person on that particular study day.
• Predetermined criteria for exclusion from final analysis included significant lack of sleep and severe anxiety.
• the blood drawn into EDTA was used for obtaining a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, using a Coulter counter (Micro Diff II, Beckman Coulter). All CBCs were performed within an hour of drawing the sample. All CBCs were performed in triplicate.
• the heparinized blood was used for purification of the PBMC fraction by gradient centrifugation and processed for immunostaining and flow cytometry.
• the stem cell markers CD34-FITC (clone 8G12, BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) and CD133-PE (Miltenyi Biotech, Auburn, CA, USA) were used for two color immunofluorescence.
• Fucoidan from one species Undaria pinnatifida, resulted in a significant elevation in the number of circulating CD34+ HSCs, with increases of 17%, 23% (P ⁇ 0.02) and 32% ((P ⁇ 0.02) occurring at 45, 90 and 180 minute measurement intervals, thereby demonstrating efficacy as a releasing agent.
• FIG. 1 Undaria pinnatifida
• fucoidan from several other algae species failed to elevate the circulating number of CD34+ HSCs in human subjects (FIG. 9).
• fucoidan from Chordaria cladosiphon resulted in a decrease in the number of circulating CD34+ HSCs, probably consequent to an increase in CXCR4 expression on the surface of circulating HSCs.
• Fucoidan fractions from A. nodosum and Pelvetia canculata have been reported to possess anti-coagulant activity through the tri-sulfated disaccharide heparin-like motif involved in HSC mobilization. Particularly notable was the report that sulfation patterns correlated with their anticoagulant activities.
• a similar molecule from the family of galactans, 3- linked, regularly 2-O-sulfated galactan, possesses anticoagulant activity not found in a corresponding 3-linked, regularly 2-O-sulfated fucan.
• the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
• Jensen, G. and Drapeau C The use of in situ bone marrow stem cells for the treatment of various degenerative diseases. Medical Hypotheses 2002 59, 422-428. Jensen, G., Hart A., Lue A., Drapeau C, Gupta N., Scaehffer D., and

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